We were lucky to catch up with Unkle (Cesar Mojarro) recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Unkle, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on was when I worked on the De Fondo restaurant on an integrated design project from concept to construction. In this project, I was in charge of developing the visual identity of the business as well as an integrated mural design for the dining area and bar. The dining area mural took shape as a monumental concrete structure in which I designed a large scale, geometric take on the alphabet. For those who look close, they can see the individual letters but from just a quick glance, the structure appears to be a work of geometric figures of different depths debossed into the concrete. In addition to the main mural, I also designed and painted a fresco with with carved and copped elements.

The project was a challenge and that is what made it so interesting to me. I was able to develop my ideas with the support of the architects of Mole Estudio and master construction workers Raddamantiss which taught me a lot about my own processes from concept to implementation. This is something that I would love to continue as it is important for me as an artist to continually evolve in my practice and understanding of material and aesthetics.

Unkle, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I studied graphic communication design in the University of Guadalajara and have worked in freelance design for most of my life. In the nineties, I started to do graffiti and began to develop my artistic fascination for letters in their different aesthetic possibilities. Alongside the crew EYOS, we would constantly discover the ways in which letters, materials and location impacted the shape that the tags would take.

Later on, I moved to Oaxaca, México where I was able to focus more on my development as an artist. I was inspired by the artists that I met who taught me new graphic techniques such as lithograph, engraving, screenprinting and more. I saw that I could live off of my art, which earlier on, I was not sure of.

From that point on, I decided to take my artistic development and career seriously. My focus became my artistic proposal which was and is the use of letters, words, signs and symbols to investigate and develop the infinite aesthetic possibilities of these forms of communication and visuality.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission and creative goal is the study and practice of interpreting the letter and other communicative symbols to find their graphic and visual expressions. It is a constant exploration because it is not only the letter that dictates its visuality but also its context, environment, materials and purpose. I am always searching for different mediums to continue this study on walls, in architecture, textiles, canvas and more. The possibilities are limitless. And this is very satisfying—to be an artist who continually evolves alongside my work.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the creative freedom I have to make my work and discover my interests. It is also rewarding to earn the respect of other artists and viewers who interact with my work and are able to imagine more possibilities, either as individuals or in collaboration, as they contemplate and discover the codes in my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://arre.rodeo/unkle/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/unkle_estudio
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@unkleestudio

Image Credits

Ashley Michelle C., Sofía Bravo, Mateo Maza, Dax Estudio, Phocus, Daos.